If you’ve ever sat staring at your phone, trying to think of what to post on Instagram to promote your sessions, camps, or classes—know this: you’re not alone.
Running a children’s activity business means you’re probably doing a hundred things a day. From making sure your venue is safe and fun, to replying to last-minute parent messages, to keeping 20 small humans entertained without total chaos breaking out. So when it comes time to post something engaging on Instagram? It’s understandable that the mind draws a blank.
Yet we all know how powerful Instagram can be. It’s often the first place new parents discover your business. And it’s where your regulars go to feel connected and stay updated. But with the algorithm playing gatekeeper and everyone competing for attention, how do you make sure your content actually gets seen?
That’s where hooks come in.
Why Hooks Matter (Especially for Small Businesses on Instagram)
A hook is the very first line of your caption, or the first second of your Reel. Its job is simple: to make someone stop scrolling. And yet, that job is crucial.
The average parent doesn’t hate you, they’re just busy. They’re changing nappies, cooking dinner, or walking to school pickup while swiping through their feed. If you can’t catch their attention in the first few seconds, the chance to show them what you’re all about is gone.
A good hook stops the scroll. A great one sparks curiosity, emotion, or surprise—and convinces the parent to keep watching, keep reading, and ultimately… get involved.
When you start your post with a strong hook, you’re not just fighting the algorithm—you’re inviting parents into a moment of connection with your brand. Whether that’s through laughter, a useful tip, or a behind-the-scenes look, hooks are how you build trust and turn attention into bookings.
10 Example Hooks That Work for Children’s Activity Providers
Let’s look at 10 real-world examples of hooks that are likely to work brilliantly for your audience—and why they capture attention:
1. “Our coach had this to say when a kid missed a goal…”
This hook teases an emotional story. Parents are drawn in by curiosity—what did the coach say? Was it supportive? Inspiring? They’re more likely to read on and remember your values.
2. “Did you know there’s a forest-themed ballet class in [your area]?”
The Did you know…? formula is powerful for surprising your audience. Highlight an unusual venue, quirky detail, or hidden gem to spark interest and drive conversation.
3. “A mum emailed us this week and said something we’ll never forget…”
Start with a mystery or emotionally charged moment that makes people want to know more. Stories from your community build relatability and credibility.
4. “You won’t believe what happened during our bubble game…”
This kind of playful suspense grabs attention. Parents know chaos (and joy!) is always a possibility in group settings, so this promises a fun or heartwarming twist.
5. “The moment this shy child stepped forward gave us all goosebumps…”
Highlighting transformation or courage pulls at the heartstrings. Parents love to see children grow in confidence—especially when they can imagine their own child in that journey.
6. “This is what we say to every child who’s nervous on their first day”
You’re offering value through reassurance. This hook tells parents: “We’ve got your child, and we know how to make them feel safe.”
7. “The parent mistake we see all the time (and how to avoid it)”
Hooks that start with gentle challenges are powerful. They pique curiosity and position your post as something that could help them be an even better parent.
8. “This class is perfect for kids who don’t love loud or busy settings”
By calling out a specific type of child, you instantly make your message more relevant to parents who are trying to find the right fit for their child’s personality.
9. “What every parent should know before choosing a holiday camp”
This hook suggests valuable, decision-making information. It positions you as helpful, trustworthy, and knowledgeable—not just another business selling sessions.
10. “The exact moment we knew this class idea would be a hit with kids”
Behind-the-scenes meets emotional insight. You’re pulling parents into your thinking and showing them that your activities are child-led and joy-driven.
📥 Get Your Free Swipe File: 100 Instagram Hook Ideas
We’ve done the hard part for you—100 scroll-stopping hooks you can plug straight into your Reels, carousels, or captions. Whether you run toddler football, kids’ music classes, or a school holiday camp, these hooks are designed to help you get seen and grow your bookings.
👉 Sign up to our newsletter for children’s activity providers and local businesses to get instant access to the full swipe file.
Each email is packed with smart, simple marketing tips to help you attract more local families and build a thriving business—without burning out on social media.
📱 Quick Tips to Boost Your Instagram Content
Before you dive into using the hooks, here are a few practical Instagram content tips that’ll help you get the most out of every post:
- Use video wherever possible – Reels are still king when it comes to reach. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes moment, a quick “day in the life,” or kids enjoying an activity (with consent), video helps parents feel your sessions, not just see them.
- Try carousel posts – If you’re sharing tips, a list, or storytelling content, carousels are brilliant. Pair your first slide with a strong hook (like one from this list) to stop the scroll, then let the rest of the slides tell the story.
- Use local hashtags – Think #MumsOfManchester or #BrightonParents. These help you show up in searches and build visibility within your actual community—where your customers live.
- Keep your captions conversational – Speak like a parent would, not a brand. Warm, relatable, and simple language always wins.
- Include a clear call-to-action – Even something small like “Tag a parent who’d love this” or “DM us to book a trial” helps turn engagement into action.
Together with a strong hook, these tips will help your content not only reach more people—but resonate more deeply with the ones who matter most: your future customers.
What’s Next
You don’t need to be a full-time content creator to win on Instagram. You just need a spark—something to make parents stop, smile, and remember who you are. That’s what hooks are for. They’re your secret weapon in a feed full of noise.
Use this list. Save it. Revisit it when you’re stuck. The best content isn’t always the most polished—it’s the most felt.
And remember: parents don’t need perfect. They need real, joyful, and human. Which, let’s face it, you’re already amazing at.
Now go on—grab one of those hooks, post something today, and let your magic shine ✨
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